Ações de alimentação e nutrição e sua interface com segurança alimentar e nutricional: Uma comparação entre Brasil e Portugal

Abstract

This paper aims to compare food and nutrition activities related to food and nutritional security (FNS) in Brazil and Portugal, keeping in mind that several countries have established guidelines to guarantee adequate food. Both nations are experiencing a reduction in fertility rates, increased life expectancy, and a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases. In Brazil, 30.2% of households live in food insecurity; in Portugal, even without estimating food insecurity, 18.0% of its inhabitants are at risk for poverty. The National Food and Nutrition Policy is the current Brazilian document which seeks to ensure universal access to food. Portugal, due to its inclusion in the European Union, is guided by the Second WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy as well as by the Portuguese National Health Plan, which has been updated periodically. Guided by the intersectoral approach, these countries share activities related to FNS, such as combating obesity, preventing nutritional deficiences and promoting dietary education in schools, whereas, specifically in Brazil, some strategies also combat malnutrition and, in Portugal, are linked to industry and the production of safe food. With relation to FNS, some distinctions were seen: FNS is more widely discussed by Brazilian policies, while this subject is implied in several food and nutrition activities in Portugal.